SUPER-A STARTING PROBLEM

[Dan England]

My Super-A has always started almost instantly. A few weeks ago it failed to start. I have tried with and without using the choke. I drained the tank and and added new gas. I removed the carb for cleaning. I tried spraying starter fluid in the manifold while the carb was off. It would fire on one cylinder but would not run. A day or two ago it started instantly and ran smoothly. It has not started since that time. The plugs will fire but I don't know if they fire hot enough. With this info, can someone advise me on what I should try next. As always, your suggestions are appreciated. Dan

[Bigdog]

Dan, it sounds more like an ignition problem than a carb problem to me. I'd start by cleaning and re-gapping the points and checking all connections in the ignition system. What does the spark look like when it won't start?

[Dan England]

Bigdog: The spark is yellowish-white at the mag and at the spark plugs. I have never attempted to work with the points. I will do some reading and then try to clean and set gap if needed. Meanwhile, I am having a similar problem with a Cub. Have owned both the Cub and Super-A for two or three years and they have been very dependable starting and running. Both quit with similar behavior in a two day span. I will post the Cub on the cub forum. I will appreciate your taking a look at the info on it also. Thanks, Dan

[Jim Becker]

Both quit with similar behavior in a two day span.

That suggests bad gas.

[Dan England]

Jim: I thought about old gas. However, replacing old gas with new has not solved the problem. I am always open to other suggestions which you might have. Dan

[parts man]

Dan, it's not uncommon in a no-start situation for the unburnt gas to foul the plugs. Try putting in a new set now with the fresh gas.

[Dan England]

Partsman: I will try a new set of plugs and let you know if this solves the problem. Thanks, Dan